A Westwood resident was arrested on federal charges for allegedly misusing $23 million in public funds meant to address homelessness in Los Angeles. Alexander Soofer, 42, the executive director of Abundant Blessings, a charity based in Hyde Park, is accused of wire fraud and is expected to appear in United States District Court in Santa Ana.
Federal authorities allege that Soofer used at least $10 million of the funds for personal expenses, including purchasing a $7 million home in Westwood, a luxury vehicle, private school tuition for his children, private jet travel, and stays at high-end resorts. The complaint also details expenditures such as lavish spending in Las Vegas and the purchase of a vacation property in Greece.
“California is the poster child of rampant fraud, waste, and abuse of tax dollars,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “The state has facilitated the spending of billions of dollars to combat homelessness, with little to show for it and almost no oversight. Thankfully, the federal government has begun auditing California’s spending and today’s is just one example of how fraudsters have swindled millions of dollars from taxpayers. This money should have gone to those in need, instead it lines the pockets of individuals subsidizing their lavish lifestyle.”
“Soofer allegedly prioritized his own greed over decency and respect for the laws of our country,” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to investigating and holding accountable those, like Soofer, who we contend flagrantly disregarded our laws by seeking to enrich himself at the public’s expense.”
According to court documents, Soofer’s organization had contracts with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) between 2018 and 2025 to provide housing and support services for more than 600 homeless participants across South Los Angeles. Over $5 million came directly from LAHSA while another $17 million was received through Special Service for Groups Inc., a nonprofit based downtown.
Investigators allege that Soofer misrepresented how he spent these funds. He reportedly fabricated invoices using real companies’ information to make payments appear legitimate and falsely claimed his board members were aware of his actions—some board members did not exist or had never heard of Abundant Blessings or Soofer.
Site visits by city and county investigators found that food provided at some sites was limited to items like Ramen noodles and canned beans instead of balanced meals as required by contract agreements.
“Alexander Soofer is alleged to have stolen millions of dollars designated to combat homelessness in Los Angeles,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of IRS Criminal Investigation. “These funds were intended to support the city’s most vulnerable residents. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to pursuing those who exploit public programs for personal gain. Today’s action demonstrates our determination to hold accountable individuals who misuse taxpayer dollars for self-enrichment.”
“Soofer is charged with embezzling funds designated to provide services for homeless individuals – some of the most vulnerable, struggling members of our community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron McCullough with HUD-OIG. “HUD-OIG remains committed to working alongside our partners on the Homelessness Fraud and Corruption Joint Task Force to aggressively pursue individuals who compromise the integrity of HUD programs and exploit communities in need.”
Soofer faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. The investigation involves multiple agencies including the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation division, and HUD Office of Inspector General.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California serves as a federal prosecutor's office responsible for enforcing laws within its district from offices located in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Riverside (official website). It works with law enforcement partners across seven counties serving more than 19 million residents (official website), focusing on criminal prosecutions as well as civil matters (official website). The office also provides victim assistance programs (official website) under its community outreach efforts.
A criminal complaint contains allegations only; every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
